Professional Indemnity & Personal Liability
Untangling the Insurance Maze for Doctors
One mistake.
One allegation.
One unexpected outcome.
That’s all it can take for a doctor’s reputation and wealth to be at risk.
In today’s medico-legal climate, professional indemnity and personal liability insurance are no longer optional — they’re protective shields.
But many doctors still ask:
“My private hospital has indemnity cover. Do I really need my own policy?”
Professional Indemnity — Your Clinical Shield
Covers you when a patient or family alleges negligence, error, or malpractice:
- Pays legal defense costs and compensation (up to policy limits)
- Works on the AOA:AOP ratio (Any One Accident : Any One Policy)
- Includes retroactive cover → shields past services if cover is continuous
Example:
A pathologist in Pune faces a ₹35L lawsuit for a delayed diagnosis.
His indemnity cover pays lawyer fees, court charges, and damages — safeguarding both his clinic and savings.
The Big Myth: “My Hospital Covers Me”
Reality check: Private hospital indemnity protects the hospital first — not you.
You’re usually covered only if:
- You’re a full-time salaried employee
- The case is strictly tied to hospital-approved procedures
- The claim amount stays within the hospital’s policy limits
But gaps remain:
Visiting / on-call consultants are rarely covered
Side clinics, home visits, and tele consults are excluded
If damages exceed the hospital’s policy limit, you pay the gap
If you’re personally named in the lawsuit, you need your own defence
Bottom line:
Hospital indemnity = safety net
Personal indemnity = bulletproof vest
Personal Liability — Beyond the Clinic
Separately, personal liability protects you in non-clinical scenarios:
- Accidents at home or in your car causing third-party injury
- Tenant disputes
- Slip-and-fall claims unrelated to treatment
Takeaway
Even if you work in a private hospital, your protection isn’t guaranteed.
Professional indemnity shields your practice.
Personal liability shields your life.
Want to know if your existing indemnity cover is enough?
Connect with us today and get your cover reviewed →
